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2009 Infiniti FX Full Review
Date Published: 7/23/08
Also in the 2009 Infiniti FX Review:
5.
6.
Infiniti FX Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Infiniti FX Review
The 2009 Infiniti FX is redesigned, gaining freshened styling, more power, and additional safety systems. FX is a premium midsize crossover SUV available with V6 or V8 power. The FX35 teams a 303-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine with either rear- or all-wheel drive. FX50 models have a 390-hp 5.0-liter V8 and AWD. The FX35 gains 28 hp over the previous model, and the FX50 gets a boost of 70 hp over the 2008 FX45. Both use a new 7-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. FX35 rides on standard 18-inch wheels; FX50 on 21-inch wheels. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Infiniti's optional Lane Departure Warning System sounds an alert when the vehicle crosses lane dividers. Newly available on FX are Infiniti's Lane Departure Prevention, Around View Monitoring, and Intelligent Brake Assist systems. LDP sounds a warning and activates the vehicle's stability control system in order to bring FX back into the proper lane. AVM uses four cameras to show the driver the entire circumference of the exterior on the navigation screen. IBA uses lights and warning tones if a forward collision is imminent and automatically applies braking power. A sport suspension and Continuous Damping Control suspension system are available for the FX50. Leather upholstery, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, keyless entry and starting, and a rearview camera are standard. Available features include adaptive cruise control that operates both at around-town and highway speeds, a 9.3GB hard drive to store digital media files, an advanced climate control system that filters mold and deodorizes air, a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic information, DVD entertainment, and a wireless cell-phone link. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
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2009 Infiniti FX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Rear visibility |
| Handling/roadholding | Ride |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
FX35's 3.5-liter V6 is spunky from a stop and competent and adequately powerful on the highway. FX50's 5.0-liter V8 supplies more than ample power in all situations, but non-linear acceleration and a touchy gas pedal made for lurchy starts. Busy 7-speed automatic is indecisive and too quick to shift during hill climbs or highway passing maneuvers.
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 6.1 |
FX35's 3.5-liter V6 is spunky from a stop and competent and adequately powerful on the highway. FX50's 5.0-liter V8 supplies more than ample power in all situations, but non-linear acceleration and a touchy gas pedal made for lurchy starts. Busy 7-speed automatic is indecisive and too quick to shift during hill climbs or highway passing maneuvers.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure. Infiniti recommends premium-grade gas.
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3.8 |
No opportunity to measure. Infiniti recommends premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Overly firm on all roads and sometimes jarring in FX35 models equipped with 20-inch wheels. All road imperfections translate into a rough, choppy drive. FX50 is somewhat softer due to its Continuous Damping Control suspension system. It regularly alters the dampening of the shocks for a smoother ride despite having 21-inch wheels.
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 5.9 |
Overly firm on all roads and sometimes jarring in FX35 models equipped with 20-inch wheels. All road imperfections translate into a rough, choppy drive. FX50 is somewhat softer due to its Continuous Damping Control suspension system. It regularly alters the dampening of the shocks for a smoother ride despite having 21-inch wheels.
Steering/Handling/Braking
FX is very nimble and exhibits excellent handling response with minimal body lean. It finds itself at home on even the curviest of roads. Steering is firm, but direct and responsive. Solid, reactive brakes furnish smooth stops. The optional Lane Departure Prevention system uses subtle braking impulses and beeps to alert driver of potential wandering at speeds above 45 mph and then corrects the vehicle's direction.
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
FX is very nimble and exhibits excellent handling response with minimal body lean. It finds itself at home on even the curviest of roads. Steering is firm, but direct and responsive. Solid, reactive brakes furnish smooth stops. The optional Lane Departure Prevention system uses subtle braking impulses and beeps to alert driver of potential wandering at speeds above 45 mph and then corrects the vehicle's direction.
Quietness
Wind rush around the outside mirrors is noticeable, as is road noise on most all surfaces. Pounding is heard and felt on rougher roads. The V8 chortles pleasantly at idle and emits a sporty growl under throttle. Optional cooled seating system emits a louder fan noise than the air conditioning. Various vehicle safety systems emit warning tones that can be obnoxious, confusing, or helpful, depending on the situation. However, these systems can be turned off at any time.
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Wind rush around the outside mirrors is noticeable, as is road noise on most all surfaces. Pounding is heard and felt on rougher roads. The V8 chortles pleasantly at idle and emits a sporty growl under throttle. Optional cooled seating system emits a louder fan noise than the air conditioning. Various vehicle safety systems emit warning tones that can be obnoxious, confusing, or helpful, depending on the situation. However, these systems can be turned off at any time.
Controls
Clear controls are logically placed and intuitive. Multiple safety system on/off switches are clustered near driver's left knee and can get confusing to distinguish because acronyms are used on each. Voice activated climate control, navigation, and audio system didn't always recognize voice commands. The navigation system is fairly easy to use, especially with its new iPod integration. Optional Around View Monitoring System displays four views of the vehicle on the navigation screen and is easy to use and helpful in parking lots.
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Clear controls are logically placed and intuitive. Multiple safety system on/off switches are clustered near driver's left knee and can get confusing to distinguish because acronyms are used on each. Voice activated climate control, navigation, and audio system didn't always recognize voice commands. The navigation system is fairly easy to use, especially with its new iPod integration. Optional Around View Monitoring System displays four views of the vehicle on the navigation screen and is easy to use and helpful in parking lots.
Details
FX's interior exudes the feel of understated luxury with its top-notch materials and near-seamless fits. The cabin is filled with leather surfaces and lined with wood and metal trim that impart an upscale, classy feel.
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.1 |
FX's interior exudes the feel of understated luxury with its top-notch materials and near-seamless fits. The cabin is filled with leather surfaces and lined with wood and metal trim that impart an upscale, classy feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plush, bolstered seats are comfortable and supportive. FX50's seats add length for thigh support and more comfort controls. Plenty of headroom and legroom for the average-sized driver. Rear visibility is severely compromised due to thick C-pillars and small, slanted rear window.
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 7.5 |
Plush, bolstered seats are comfortable and supportive. FX50's seats add length for thigh support and more comfort controls. Plenty of headroom and legroom for the average-sized driver. Rear visibility is severely compromised due to thick C-pillars and small, slanted rear window.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Too narrow for three adults to sit in comfort. FX's narrow backseat opening hinders ingress and egress. The back seats are bolstered and comfortable. Average sized passengers should have enough headroom and legroom.
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Too narrow for three adults to sit in comfort. FX's narrow backseat opening hinders ingress and egress. The back seats are bolstered and comfortable. Average sized passengers should have enough headroom and legroom.
Cargo Room
The rear seatbacks fold flat with ease for more cargo space, but the load floor is high. Small item storage is just average and includes a deep glovebox, smallish door pockets, two-tiered center bin, and a small bin in rear passenger's armrest.
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8.6 |
The rear seatbacks fold flat with ease for more cargo space, but the load floor is high. Small item storage is just average and includes a deep glovebox, smallish door pockets, two-tiered center bin, and a small bin in rear passenger's armrest.
Value within Class
FX stands out from the pack for its combination of unique styling, sporty handling, and relative utility. It does, however, makes some sacrifices in the ride and rear visibility departments. Competitors such as Acura MDX and Lexus RX exhibit a more comfortable, conventional blend of luxury and convenience, with less edgy styling and a more composed ride.
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 | 6.6 |
FX stands out from the pack for its combination of unique styling, sporty handling, and relative utility. It does, however, makes some sacrifices in the ride and rear visibility departments. Competitors such as Acura MDX and Lexus RX exhibit a more comfortable, conventional blend of luxury and convenience, with less edgy styling and a more composed ride.
Total Score
| FX35 AWD w/20-in wheels, navigation | FX50 AWD w/Sport Pkg, navigation | Class Average |
| 69 | 69 | 70.8 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 65 | |
| Average Score | 70 | |
| High Score | 80 |
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2009 Infiniti FX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/22/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD FX35 4-door wagon | $40,950 | $37,819 | $865 |
|
|
|||
| AWD FX35 4-door wagon | $42,350 | $39,108 | $865 |
|
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| AWD FX50 4-door wagon | $56,700 | $52,327 | $865 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
FX35
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats w/driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, rearview camera, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, power liftgate, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, 265/60VR18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
FX50 adds to FX35:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V8 engine, all-wheel drive.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Interior air filter, navigation system w/voice recognition and traffic information, around-view monitor, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, heated/cooled front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), wood interior trim, tilt-down back-up aid mirrors, Bose AM/FM/CD player, iPod adapter, hard drive, wireless cell phone link, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
265/45VR21 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
FX35
|
$2,350
|
$
|
|
Heated/cooled front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), tilt-down back-up aid mirrors, iPod adapter, wireless cell phone link, unique interior trim, roof rails.
|
||
|
Navigation Pkg.
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||
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FX35
|
$2,850
|
$
|
|
Navigation system, voice recognition, traffic information, music hard drive. Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc CD/MP3 player. Requires Premium Pkg.
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||
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Deluxe Touring Pkg.
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||
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FX35
|
$2,650
|
$
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|
Wood interior trim, steering-linked adaptive front headlights w/auto leveling, 265/50VR20 tires, polished alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
FX50
|
$3,000
|
$
|
|
Front sport seats w/adjustable thigh support, driver-seat power-adjustable bolsters, steering-linked adaptive headlights w/auto leveling, active rear steering, Continuous Damping Control suspension w/sport setting.
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Technology Pkg.
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||
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FX35, FX50
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$2,900
|
$
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Lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, intelligent brake assist, front pre-crash safety belts, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers. FX35 requires Navigation Pkg.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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DVD entertainment system
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FX35, FX50
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$1,600
|
$
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Requires Technology Pkg.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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265/45WR21 tires
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FX50
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$0
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$0
|
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 Infiniti FX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Infiniti FX 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4094 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 62.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /214 | 5.0 /305 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 303 @ 6800 | 390 @ 6500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 262 @ 4800 | 369 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 7-speed automatic | 16/21 | 14/20 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Infiniti FX 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Infiniti FX Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Infiniti FX Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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